Connie Dominguez-Realtor

09/11/2026

September 11 is designated as Patriot Day, when we remember the victims of the terror attacks of 2001. When and for what purpose is the similarly named Patriots’ Day observed in the United States?

Since 1775, some of the New England states have marked the third Monday in April as Patriots’ Day in honor of the Battle of Lexington and Concord that marked the beginning of the American War of Independence from Great Britain.The new holiday began immediately following the terrorist attacks on Se...

09/10/2026

What’s a lease-purchase option and is it right for you? Here are the pros and cons for buyers and sellers.

What exactly is a lease-purchase option and how does it work? It’s a different breed of real estate transaction with pros and cons for both buyers and sellers. How a lease-purchase option works. Lease-purchase or “rent to own” deals are more prevalent in a soft real estate market or so-called ...

09/10/2026

🏡 What Is a CMA?

If you’re thinking about selling your home, one of the first things you should understand is a **CMA — Comparative Market Analysis.**

A CMA is a report your real estate professional uses to estimate your home’s current market value by comparing it to similar properties that have recently sold, are currently on the market, or were recently listed.

A CMA can help answer important questions like:

• What could my home realistically sell for?
• How does my home compare to similar properties?
• What are buyers currently willing to pay?
• Is now a good time to sell?

**Pricing your home correctly from the beginning can make a major difference.**

Want to know what your home could be worth in today’s market? A CMA is a great place to start.

09/08/2026

Need a quick referral for a home improvement project? When your friends come up empty handed, learn how to use online review sites.

When searching for a reliable contractor, there’s nothing better than a personal referral from friends or neighbors. But if leads are few, many people are turning to online review sites. Sites like Angie’s List and Home Advisor provide an easy source of information on thousands of contractors in...

09/08/2026

🏡 **5 Questions to Ask Before Deciding How Big Your Home Needs to Be**

The right home isn’t necessarily the biggest home you can afford — it’s the home that fits your lifestyle.

Before you start touring properties, ask yourself:

1. **How many people will live in the home?**
2. **Do you plan to grow your family?**
3. **How often do you work from home or need dedicated office space?**
4. **How much space do you actually use for entertaining, hobbies, or storage?**
5. **What size home fits comfortably within your budget?**

Answer these five questions first, and you’ll have a much clearer idea of what to look for — and what you can skip.

**Follow the questions in the video and see what home size makes the most sense for you.**

09/07/2026

In 1882, labor unions organized a parade to promote workers rights, which led to the beginning of the Labor Day holiday. Today, which profession has the largest number of unionized members?

The National Education Association, the union for teachers and school administrators, is the largest union with more than three million members. In 1894 President Grover Cleveland signed the law making the first Monday of September the federally recognized holiday known as Labor Day.

09/06/2026

Your kitchen may be small, but it doesn’t have to be short on style. Check out these five ways to go big in a tiny space.

If your kitchen is on the small side, fear not. You, too, can have big style in a small space. With a focus on function, careful material choices, and a little creativity, your dream kitchen is possible -- regardless of size. Check out our top five design solutions for tiny kitchens. Stay focused. W...

09/05/2026

Backyard pools and trampolines can be tons of fun. But don’t forget to consider these liabilities and insurance costs.

Sure, pools and trampolines are fun. But homeowners who choose to put them in their backyards also face greater responsibility and a much larger homeowners insurance bill. It’s best to weigh the pros and cons before making such a purchase. Swimming pools. The insurance covering damage to an in-gro...

09/03/2026

QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Do you really understand all of your financing options when buying a home?
Conventional. FHA. VA. Jumbo. Down payment assistance. First-time buyer programs.
The right financing strategy can impact your monthly payment, cash needed at closing, purchasing power, and long-term financial goals.
Before you start touring homes, make sure you know what you actually qualify for — not just what you think you can afford.
Question: If you were buying a home today, which financing option would you choose — and do you know why?

09/03/2026

Are you a first-time home buyer confused by all the real estate jargon? Here’s what you need to know about earnest money and your down payment.

Homebuyers must make two large payments when purchasing a house. One is the earnest money paid upon ex*****on of the sales contract. The second is the down payment to the lender at closing. What are the differences between the two? It’s all about commitment. In both cases, these payments represent...